Posts Tagged ‘dogs’

Dog Carrier Sizes

Sunday, February 21st, 2010

Traveling with man’s best friend? You can actually lessen the possible problems of traveling with your dog if you check out the types of dog carrier sizes that are designed for this purpose.

Yes, there are many types available that you may want to examine further before making your choice on what you would like your dog to use.

To get detailed information, and learn what you need to do, read the following tips to get you started:

The Two Types of Dog Carrier Sizes

One of the most known carriers is the carry-on that is designed primarily for smaller dog breeds. Some airlines allow you to use this type of carrier that you can fit at the bottom of your seat in the airplane. However, you may have to check the regulations before you book a flight with a certain airline since the regulations on bringing a pet along on your trip may differ from one airline to another.

Another type of carrier for your beloved animal is referred to as the cargo. This is used for larger dogs. Instead of safely placing your pet under your seat in the airplane, you would have to make your pet enjoy the travel in the cargo area with airline luggage.

The Features to Look for

In choosing a carrier, you may have to look for features that may ensure a safer travel for your pet.

One of the important features to look for is comfort and room space. If the carrier provides enough room for your pet, your dog can change its position or stretch its legs comfortably during travel.

Another thing to take note of is if the carrier has its USDA approval. Those that are approved usually have a high density plastic, ventilation holes for your pet to breathe, and stickers of “Live Animal” for you to use on the box. Carriers that do not bear the USDA approval are not usually allowed for travel in an airplane.

For more convenience, you may also have to check if the carrier provides a dish or water bottle for your pet’s use. While it is not recommended that your pet should eat before and during the trip, you may have to provide water in its carrier to quench its thirst and make your dog feel more comfortable.

Some of the Best Choices

To narrow down your search for a good carrier for your pet, some of the best choices, so far, include the Teafco Argo carrier and the Sky Kennel carrier.

So before you look for dog carrier sizes to carry your pet in, it pays to remember these things that may help you in choosing a carrier that provides the convenience you are looking for.

What is the Size of a Chow Chow?

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

Developed in Mongolia more than 4,000 years ago, the chow chow Chow Chowis a dog breed with many interesting features. In China, it is called Songshi Quan because of its puffy appearance. It comes in different colors, the most common include blue, cinnamon and red. Likewise, there are also cream and black colored dogs. For those who want to become familiar with this dog breed, it is good to learn other details about it including the size of a chow chow.

The Size of a Chow Chow

What is the size of a chow chow? For males, the average height ranges from 48 to 56 centimeters or 19 to 22 inches. Meanwhile, the average height for females ranges from 46 to 51 centimeters or 18 to 20 inches. In terms of weight, males can be as heavy as 55 to 70 pounds or 25 to 32 kilograms. On the contrary, the weight of females ranges from 45 to 60 pounds or 20 to 27 kilograms.

Additional Facts and Other Important Details

The coat of a chow chow is described as coarse and thick. Red-colored dogs come in various shades ranging from deep red-brown to light gold. Meanwhile, the shades of the cinnamon-colored variants range from brown to light tan. For the blue-colored varieties, the shades range from gray to dark blue. The average life span of these dogs is 9 to 15 years.

The ears of a chow chow are described as erect, triangular and small. Its skull is broad. It has a sturdy built with a very dense double coat, which may be rough or smooth. The neck has a distinctive mane or ruff appearance. The eyes are almond-shaped and deep set. Its tongue has an unusual color, which ranges from purple to blue-black. The hind legs are very straight, which make its gait stilted. Other common features include a black nose, thick hair and curly tail.

Many people love to keep this type of dog as pet because of its numerous likeable qualities. It approaches strangers seriously, plus it has a deep sense of proprietorship over the place where it lives. For well-socialized and well-bred dogs, aggression and timidity are uncharacteristic.

It is important to take good care of these dogs because just like other breeds, they are still subject to different kinds of diseases and illnesses. These include patellar luxation, hip dysplasia as well as elbow dysplasia. They are also at risk of ocular disorders, pemphigus foliaceus and thyroid disease.

Small Size Dogs

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

The following are the smallest dog breeds today. Depending on how the animal is taken care of however, the size may vary significantly.

Small Size Dogs: Chihuahua

The Chihuahua’s size varies from 6" to 9". A typical Chihuahua lives for 14 to 18 years. The dog traces its origin back to Mexico (it is named after a state there). Their coats can be either short or long, with the shorter ones much softer.

The dog needs to be groomed weekly. This includes brushing the teeth and cleaning the nails. In terms of health, potential problems include Patellar Luxation (injury to the kneecap) and Entropion (inversion of eyelid to the eyeball). Nerve issues are some of the more serious ailments that can afflict it.

Small Size Dogs: Pekingese

The size is about 6" to 10" or slightly bigger than the Chihuahua. The life expectancy is between 13 to 15 years. The dog originated in China and was bred to be a lap dog for the wealthy and powerful. This dog is also known as Peking Palasthund.

The coat varies in shade, but the typical Pekingese has a long coat that is somewhat coarse. The potential health problems for the Pekingese are the same as that of Chihuahuas. Serious health problems involving the heart, eyes, bones etc can also happen.

Having the dog checked regularly by a vet and given the recommended vitamins and shots are important. Like other toy dogs, the Pekingese needs to be groomed on a weekly bass.

Small Size Dogs: Brussels Griffon

The Brussels Griffon measures 7" to 8” and has an average life span of 12 to 16 years. The dog traces its roots back to Belgium in the 1800s. The dog was initially bred for hunting purposes. The breed is also known by a variety of names including Belgian Griffon and Griffon Belge.

The toy dog was registered at the American Kennel Club back in 1910. Its coat is typically reddish black. Some breeds have black coats with a bit of tan and white in them.

Their coat can be either wiry or smooth. Among the potential health problems involve its digestive system, respiratory and urinary infections. More common problems involving muscle and joint injury can also occur.

Small Size Dogs: Toy Fox Terrier

The size varies from 8" to 10" and it has an average life span of 12 to 14 years. This breed originated in England around the 1800s and is also known as the American Toy Terrier. The dog’s coat is typically black and white with some tan. The coat is usually shiny and needs to be kept short.

Like other toy dogs, the Toy Fox Terrier needs to be protected against various diseases including the ones mentioned earlier. The best way to avoid health complications is to give the dog vaccination shots. The dog should be groomed on a regular basis. Keeping it clean will prevent allergies and infections from occurring.

The information provided about small size dogs here is just an overview. Depending on your location / region, different health issues may crop up. Check with your local vet first.

Dog Pregnancy Length

Thursday, January 7th, 2010

Dog pregnancy usually lasts for nine weeks orDog Pregnancy 63 days. But their are also instances that puppies are born between day 58 to day 68.

Diagnosis

Pregnancy tests for dogs are not available as of the moment whether it is through urine or blood tests. The earliest times when the vets can detect that she is pregnant are between day 26 to day 35 after the breeding was done. This is done by feeling the pregnant dog’s abdomen and the accuracy for this method is 85%. For a more accurate diagnosis of dog pregnancy, the pregnant dog can undergo an x-ray examination at day 45. This method is 95% accurate and it can also determine how many puppies are in the womb.

Physical Changes

There are only few observable changes for the first five weeks of dog pregnancy. Once the fifth week passed, pregnant dogs usually start to gain some weight particularly those with big offspring. For mother dogs with only one or two puppies in the womb, a little gain weight may occur until a few days before delivery. In the last three weeks of pregnancy, enlargement of the abdomen becomes visible. On day 35, the enlargement of the mammary glands may start to occur but it will be more visible only when day 45 comes. The presence of milk occurs as early as seven to nine days before giving birth. But in general, milk is produced only until one to two days before giving birth.

Behavioral Changes

Dogs usually show some behavioral changes particularly in the last few weeks of their pregnancy. As the enlargement of abdomen happens, pregnant dogs usually become restless. They prefer to be alone most of the time and they will soil the house in the last few days of dog pregnancy. Shredding of things like blankets, bedding, or papers may happen as they try to do ‘nest building’ few weeks before delivery. It is better that you should avoid your children to be in contact with your pregnant dog since they will become really irritable.

Nutrition

Good nutrition is really important in any stages of dog pregnancy for the benefit of both mother and puppies. In the first four weeks, there is a little change in the nutritional need of the dog but it is better if you feed her with small quantity of high protein foods like lean muscle meats, eggs, and liver. Pregnant dogs will double their nutritional needs in the last five weeks of pregnancy. The amount of food in every meal should be increased. There should always be the availability of fresh water to compensate her increased need of fluid. It is also recommended that feeding puppy food should be done until the lactation period stops.

Exercise

Moderate exercise is the best approach in dog pregnancy. Never force your dog to rest or make her do strenuous exercises. The good thing to do is to have short walks and short periods of gentle play with her.

What is the Size of a Wolf Pack Territory?

Tuesday, December 29th, 2009

Studies show that wolves are really territorial creatures. Wolf Pack TerritoryThere are instances that wolf packs will chase and attack foreign wolves. Large wolf packs usually chase out on the smaller packs once their territory is being trespassed. Wolves are, in general, very seldom friendly to other wolves that are strangers to them. Most of them will stay only inside the perimeter of a definite area.

A wolf pack territory consists mainly of the areas where they hunt and travel. Wolf packs have the instinct to space out an area so that their wide territory won’t overrun with each other. If there are instances that a wolf pack territory overruns with another one, the wolf packs on each side will do their best to stay away from each other as much as possible.

Determining Factors

There are various factors that will help in determining the specific size of a wolf pack territory. The size can greatly differ from 18 square kilometers for every wolf pack up to 1,300 square kilometers. The size of a wolf pack territory can be small only if there is a large number of prey animals in the area and the place is suitable for the pack to stay put for the year. During the winter months, the home range of a wolf pack is much bigger compared to the summer months.

Other factors that must be considered in determining the size of a wolf pack territory is the kind of climate the place has, the nearness of other wolf packs in the place, and the type of terrain they are on. In places where there are more people and little space fit for wolf habitation, wolf pack usually want a small size territory. In places where there are plenty of other big predators present like bears and wild cats, the size of the wolf pack territory is usually large.

Wolf packs constantly move from one territory to new territories in search of their prey. The size of their territory usually enlarges and shrinks in answer to the activity of their prey animals. During the winter months, it is not uncommon for wolf packs to travel for very far distances like covering 30 miles in a day during their travel. They are constantly on the move and generally travel in a single line and stays only in a place for a few months during the breeding season.

Marking the Territory

There are some ways that wolves would outline their territories. The very common and most important way that wolves use to mark their territory is through scent marking with the use of their urine. Wolves have the ability to distinguish the scent of their packmate’s urine from that of a urine from stranger wolf. A superior sense of smell is one of the abilities of wolves and when the pack risks out into a territory that is being claimed by other wolf packs, they would either fight for it or just leave peacefully.

Dog Flea Size

Monday, December 28th, 2009

The size of dog fleas is equal to a pinhead. That’s about 1/8 of an inch. Their eggs are about 1/12 the size of aDog Flea full grown flea. While they are very small, these creatures can cause severe problems.

Symptoms and Signs

The primary sign is itching on the dog’s part. Aside from itching, a dog might suffer from hair loss and various skin infections. Some pets are very sensitive to fleas; a single bite will cause them to itch. Unlike other pests, the fleas can be seen around the dog. Specifically they can be seen around the thighs. They can also be found in the stomach area.

How Fleas Affect the Host

The size of dog fleas hides the menace and nuisance they cause. Not only do they infect dogs; they also infest cats, chickens and people. As stated, the primary symptom is itching. The host will feel the itchiness where the fleas are residing in the body.

Other hosts, including dogs, get allergies from the flea saliva. The allergies may produce rashes. In addition, the itchy spot will swell up. There may also be a puncture point in its midst.

A close examination will reveal the bites are grouped together. If left untreated, the infection can get worse after several days. Anemia may result if the condition is left untreated.

Disease Carriers

The small size of dog fleas also masks their potential for harboring diseases. Some species have been known to transmit diseases like fever and tapeworm. This can cause more problems for pet dogs. The fact that these insects can also affect humans is another reason why these insects need to be kept away from your home.

Treatment

You can use insecticides to eliminate fleas’ eggs and stop their spread. There are many types of flea medication available. However these need to be administered properly.

Some of these medicines (like acetylcholinesterase inhibitors) may have adverse effects on dogs and even people. To be safe it’s better to use products that don’t use acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Just check the ingredients.

Caring for the Dog

No matter the size of dog fleas you see, one thing is certain. One flea means there are several more present in the environment. First you need to use a flea repellant on the animal. A good flea repellant won’t just kill the fleas.

It will also protect the pet by destroying any potential fleas before they start developing. When fleas start growing in numbers, they’ll be harder to eradicate completely.

You’ll also want to disinfect the place by using an insecticide. When shopping for insecticides look for one that has pyriproxyfen. Another effective treatment is diatomaceous earth. You can put this in a shaker and set it in various parts of the house. Vacuum it after a week. It should get rid of the fleas.

These insects can be a real pest. But by recognizing that the size of dog fleas conceals real dangers, you can protect your pet. Keeping your pet free from fleas mean you’re protecting yourself too.

What is the Size of a Bulldog?

Sunday, December 27th, 2009

Also known by other names like the English bulldog or British bulldog, the Bulldogbulldog is a dog breed whose roots can be traced back to England. Although it has a similar appearance with the French bulldog and the American bulldog, it must not be confused with these two other dog varieties. Because of its interesting character and unique features, many groups and institutions have decided to make it as their mascot. These include universities and colleges such as the Western Illinois University, Mississippi State and Louisiana Tech University. Besides these things, there are many things to learn more about this breed of dog including the size of a bulldog.

The Size of a Bulldog

What is the size of a bulldog? The average height of bulldogs is between 30 to 36 centimeters. In terms of weight, mature females measure close to 45 pounds. On the other hand, mature males are more or less 50 pounds. The breed standard in the United Kingdom is 50 pounds for females and 55 pounds for males.

Additional Facts and Other Important Details

In terms of appearance, bulldogs have thick heads and shoulders. They have pointy teeth, drooping lips and thick skin folds on their brows. The most common colors are white, fawn and red, or a combination of any of these shades. They have naturally curled and short tails.

Just like all the dog breeds out there, bulldogs are susceptible to different kinds of diseases. One of the most common is inter-digital cyst, which develops somewhere right between the toes. Other health problems that may seriously affect these dogs are hip issues, allergies as well as cherry eye.

To help bulldogs develop healthier bodies, they need to exercise just like all the other breeds out there. By doing this, they can be spared from different kinds of illnesses and health problems such as joint issues, lung problems and heart diseases. Regular exercise is necessary to prevent them from being overweight.

Thanks to the unique appearance and interesting characteristics of bulldogs, they have become parts of popular culture. Television shows like “Mr. Magoo,” “MacGyver” and “Veronica’s Closet” have featured this particular type of dog breed. Likewise, famous celebrities have made them pets like Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps and actor Brad Pitt.

Modern bulldogs are lovable and very social. However, the name ‘bulldog’ was first used in 1568. This breed was a cross between the pug and the mastiff. By 1600s, this type of dog became part of bullbaiting, a gambling sport that was prevalent in the 17th century.

Worlds Smallest Dog

Monday, December 21st, 2009

What is the World’s Smallest Dog?

The smallest dog in the world ever reported was a Worlds Smallest DogMaltese puppy named Scooter. He was only 8 centimeters tall and 20 centimeters long. In a litter of three, Scooter stopped growing when he was 2 months old. His loving owner, Cheryl McKnight of New Zealand, made a shirt from a purple sock that he wore around the house.

McKnight had planned to enter her pet into the Guinness Book of World Records when he turned a year old. Sadly, Scooter died when he was only 6 months old. After breaking his leg in a jump, Scooter was given medicine that gave him stomach ulcers, which eventually caused his death. McKnight buried him in a tiny shoebox that had been his home.

What is the World’s Smallest Dog on Record?

The world’s smallest dog, at least in terms of its length, is a female Chihuahua named Brandy. From nose to tail she measures only 15.2 centimeters or just over 6 inches. This was verified in January 31, 1995. Brandy lives with owner Paulette Keller in Florida, USA.

What is the World’s Smallest Dog Breed?

The world’s smallest dog breed is the Chihuahua. It is named after a province in Mexico. It is universally agreed that the breed came from that country. It is probably descended from a pet dog among the Toltec Indians, the Techichi. Historical evidence for the Techichi suggests that it was first bred as a hunting and companion dog in the 9th century. The modern Chihuahua is smaller than the Techichi, due perhaps to inter-breeding with other small dogs from China.

Chihuahua dogs average between 6 to 10 inches in height. The taller of the breed can be as tall as 15 inches. Breed standards in the US and Britain require a dog to be no more than 6 pounds. The British standards prefer 2-4 pounds and all things being equal between two dogs, the smaller is favored. The FCI on the other hand, likes dogs to be between 3.3 to 6.6 pounds for show ring purposes. However Chihuahuas bred as pets and companions are typically larger than these, and can weigh 10 pounds or more. Chihuahuas can be long or short haired. More correctly these are called long coat and smooth coat. The long coat Chihuahuas have a fine smooth fur. They do not require a lot of grooming and in fact, shed less than the smooth coat.

Chihuahuas are territorial and easily provoked. Because they are temperamental and quick to bite, they aren’t suitable for very young children. Chihuahuas often become attached to just one person in the family. They are wary of strangers and may not get along well with dogs of other breeds.

What is the Size of a Beagle?

Monday, December 21st, 2009

Indeed one of the cutest dog breeds, the beagle looks similar to a foxhound. BeagleHowever, it is smaller in terms of body size, with softer and longer ears. Furthermore, it is known to have shorter legs compared to other types of dogs. Considered as a scent hound, it has impressive skills in tracking various types of games including rabbits and hares. It can be a very good pet because of its lack of inherited health problems, even temper and nice size. There are many other things to know about this dog including the size of a beagle.

The Size of a Beagle

What is the size of a beagle? In terms of height, these dogs usually grow from 13 to 16 inches or 33 to 41 centimeters at the withers. Their average weight ranges from 18 to 35 pounds or 8.2 to 16 kilograms. Males are bigger compared to females. They have shorter muzzles and broader heads. In comparison to other dog breeds, the size of beagles ranges from small to medium only.

Additional Facts and Other Important Details

Because of their tracking instinct and keen sense of smell, beagles are commonly hired as detection dogs. They can easily trace prohibited foodstuffs and other illegal agricultural products. They serve as perfect specimens for animal testing due to their even temper, manageable size and healthy body conditions. Believed to have existed for more than 2,000 years already, they were developed first in Great Britain in the 1830s. During that time, people experimented on several breeds like the Southern Hound, the North Country Beagle and the Talbot Hound.

The interesting characters of these dogs made them a favorite subject in popular culture. They are featured regularly on comic books, television shows as well as films. The comic strip “Peanuts” has been featuring probably the most famous beagle in the world, namely Snoopy.

In terms of appearance, beagles have gumdrop noses, square-cut muzzles and medium-length domed skulls. They have strong jaws with perfectly fitting upper and lower teeth. Their eyes are large, which may come in brown or hazel colors. Their ears are described as low-set, soft and long. Their necks are medium-length but are very strong.

Beagles come in various colors. Commonly, they are tri-colored with light brown shading, black and white color combinations. In terms of temperament, these dogs are non-aggressive, amiable and merry. Their average lifespan is 12.35 years. These dogs are used for medical research, animal testing as well as hunting.

What is the Size of a Schnauzer?

Monday, December 21st, 2009

The schnauzer is another highly interesting dog breed, which isSchnauzer classified into three major types, namely giant schnauzers, standard schnauzers and miniature schnauzers. This particular type of dog originated in the 1400s in Germany. It was bred originally to serve as a guard dog, a yard dog and a rat catcher. Aside from these facts, there are more to learn about this interesting breed including the size of a schnauzer.

The Size of a Schnauzer

What is the size of a schnauzer? At the shoulder, standard schnauzers usually grow about 1½-feet or 46 centimeters. Their average weight ranges from 26 to 37 pounds or 12 to 17 kilograms. They were developed originally to serve as guard dogs and to catch rats. The biggest amongst the three types of schnauzers is the giant schnauzer, which actually grows at the average height of 2 feet or 60 centimeters tall. It terms of weight, they are also the heaviest, with the average weight of 75 to 85 pounds or 30 to 35 kilograms.

The miniature schnauzers are the smallest, which grow at the average height of 1 foot or 30 centimeters at the shoulder. Each miniature schnauzer only weighs about 5 to 13 pounds or 5 to 7 kilograms.

Additional Facts and Other Important Details

In German, the ‘term’ schnauzer’ means moustache, which is pretty evident in this particular breed of dog. To prevent mats from forming, it is important to brush its leg hair as well as the beard. It is good to make this dog part of a family because of its loving and friendly nature. It can easily alert family members and protect them form potential harm and danger. Compared to other dog breeds, this one is very intelligent. At least two times a year, it is best to pluck out the dead and loose hairs of these dogs.

Miniature schnauzers are known for their superior intelligence as well as their high levels of energy. They come in various colors, the most common of which are white, silver and black. They love to interact with their owners and are very loyal companions, which are traits that make them excellent pets. Once they sense threats, they usually alarm their owners right away. However, they are rarely aggressive when dealing with strangers.

Standard schnauzers were used to deliver messages during the past wars. During those times, they were also used as police dogs. Likewise, they have helped in various Red Cross operations. As working dogs, giant schnauzers were used to guard breweries.